Power for a wearable e-reader

ABSTRACT

The present application discloses a system for powering a wearable e-reader. The system includes two optical units. The two optical units are part of the system that is wearable. The optical units comprise a front lit display. The system further includes a battery. The battery powers the two optical units.

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63/332,396 entitled A WEARABLE E-READER filed Apr. 19, 2022, whichis incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typical e-reading devices are handheld, have large screens to make themlegible, and project lots of light towards the user. Thesecharacteristics pose several problems. Being handheld can cause neck orarm strain depending on the position a user holds the e-reading device.In addition, for users with shaky hands, the e-reader may not bereadable. Also, the large screens are problematic because they increasepower consumption for the devices requiring heavy batteries, which bothcause high weight for the device. And last, the light projected towardsthe user can cause eye strain and disrupt sleep.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the followingdetailed description and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of wearable e-reader according to variousembodiments of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a block a diagram of a system according to various embodimentsof the present application.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a section view of an optical unitaccording to various embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a section view of an optical unitaccording to various embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating a section view of an optical unitaccording to various embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating a section view of an optical unitaccording to various embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a section view of a display of awearable e-reader according to various embodiments of the presentapplication.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a section view of a wearable e-readeraccording to various embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a section view of a wearable e-readeraccording to various embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a section view of a wearable e-readeraccording to various embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a section view of a wearable e-readeraccording to various embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling a wearablee-reader according to various embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process for awearable e-reader.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process for awearable e-reader.

FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a height adjustmentusing changeable nose pieces for the wearable e-reader.

FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a tilt adjuster fordisplays using set screws for a wearable e-reader.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process forpowering a wearable e-reader.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process forfront lighting of a display for a wearable e-reader.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as aprocess; an apparatus; a system; a composition of matter; a computerprogram product embodied on a computer readable storage medium; and/or aprocessor, such as a processor configured to execute instructions storedon and/or provided by a memory coupled to the processor. In thisspecification, these implementations, or any other form that theinvention may take, may be referred to as techniques. In general, theorder of the steps of disclosed processes may be altered within thescope of the invention. Unless stated otherwise, a component such as aprocessor or a memory described as being configured to perform a taskmay be implemented as a general component that is temporarily configuredto perform the task at a given time or a specific component that ismanufactured to perform the task. As used herein, the term ‘processor’refers to one or more devices, circuits, and/or processing coresconfigured to process data, such as computer program instructions.

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention isprovided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate theprinciples of the invention. The invention is described in connectionwith such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to anyembodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims andthe invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications andequivalents. Numerous specific details are set forth in the followingdescription in order to provide a thorough understanding of theinvention. These details are provided for the purpose of example and theinvention may be practiced according to the claims without some or allof these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technicalmaterial that is known in the technical fields related to the inventionhas not been described in detail so that the invention is notunnecessarily obscured.

As used herein, content corresponds to text or images. The content canfurther correspond to a video. In some embodiments, the content iscomprised in a file that is stored on a memory.

As used herein, electronic ink (e-ink) corresponds to electronic paperor other display devices that mimic the appearance of physical ink onpaper. An e-ink display reflects ambient light. The warm light reflectedoff e-ink is generally better for reading than backlight solutionsespecially those that emit blue light.

Various embodiments disclose a wearable electronic reader (e.g.,e-reader). In some embodiments, the wearable e-reader comprises afront-lit display. As an example, the display is an e-ink display. Thewearable e-reader enables hands-free reading in various postures, etc.

Related art wearable systems that display content are generally virtualreality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) systems. VR and AR systemsinclude high-resolution displays, and associated optics to maximize thesize of the field of view. Because of the high refresh rate displayrequirements for VR and AR systems, the VR and AR systems typically usebacklit or emissive display technologies such as backlit LCD or OLED.These displays shine light directly into the user's eyes which can causeeye strain. Further, most backlight displays include blue light, whichis generally believed to negatively affect a user's sleep. In someembodiments, the field of view is set by the optics. In someembodiments, a wearable e-reader has a narrow field of view to enablecomfortable viewing for a user.

Related art e-readers may include front light displays. However, suchrelated art e-readers are generally hand-held units and thus not idealfor promoting good user posture and generally inconvenient forreading/viewing content, such as for prolonged use.

According to various embodiments, a system and device for displayingcontent is disclosed. The system comprises an optical unit. The opticalunit is wearable. In some embodiments, the optical unit comprises amagnifying lens, a polarizer, a front light, and a display, wherein thefront light illuminates the display from the front of the display to beobservable by a user via the magnifying lens. In some embodiments, thedisplay is controlled to display content.

According to various embodiments, a system and device for displayingcontent is disclosed. The system comprises an optical unit. The opticalunit is wearable. In some embodiments, the optical unit comprises amagnifying lens, a front light, and a display. The front lightilluminates the display from the front of the display to be observableby a user via the magnifying lens. In various embodiments, themagnifying lens comprises a Fresnel lens, a pancake lens, a micro-lensarray, or any other appropriate lens. In some embodiments, the displayis controlled to display content.

According to various embodiments, a system and device for displayingcontent is disclosed. The system comprises an optical unit. The opticalunit includes an e-ink screen, a circular polarizer, and one or morepancake lenses.

According to various embodiments, an optical unit is disclosed. Theoptical unit comprises an e-ink display, a pancake lens, and apolycarbonate light guide. The e-ink display may correspond to a e-paperdisplay. As an example, the e-ink display may be about a 1.3″ e-inkdisplay.

According to various embodiments, a wearable backlight e-reader isdisclosed. The wearable backlight e-reader comprises a circuit board, alight source (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)), a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) (e.g., that is controlled to control content viewable onthe e-reader display), a pancake lens, and a polarizer (e.g., a circularpolarizer).

Various embodiments improve the user experience for reading/consumingcontent, such as books, magazines, newspapers, etc. For example, variousembodiments provide an e-reader in a wearable form factor to enhanceuser experience and to enable users to consume content in morecomfortable conditions (e.g., posture, eye strain, etc.). Further,various embodiments improve the cost and/or power effectiveness forwearable systems. For example, the high-resolution display requirementsand high-processing requirements for VR and AR systems generally lead toincreased component costs and increased power consumption compared tothe system described below.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of wearable e-reader according to variousembodiments of the present application.

According to various embodiments, wearable e-reader 100 comprises anoptical unit. The optical unit comprises a magnifying lens, a polarizer,a light, and a display. Wearable e-reader 100 uses the optical unit toprovide content to a user during use. In the example illustrated in FIG.1 , the optical unit comprises lenses (e.g., pancake lenses 105 a and105 b), a polarizer (not shown), light guide 120, and displays (e.g.,e-ink displays 125 and 126).

In some embodiments, the lenses comprised in wearable e-reader 100correspond to a small/compact lens assembly such as pancake lenses 105 aand 105 b. The lenses may comprise a focus adjustment mechanism. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 1 , pancake lenses 105 a and 105 b may beadjusted by rotation of the knurled ring closest to the user eye. As anexample, the lenses may be the components of the optical unit that areclosest to the user eye. Although the example illustrates pancake lenses105 a and 105 b, various embodiments implement different lenstechnologies. For example, various embodiments implement other lightfield lens technology. In some embodiments, a focal point/distance of alens is proportional or roughly equivalent to the width of the lens.

According to various embodiments, the diameter of the lenses isdetermined based at least in part on a form factor of the display. Insome embodiments, the diameter of a lens (e.g., each lens) is at leastthe size of the length of the diagonal of the corresponding displaycomprised in wearable e-reader 100. In some embodiments, the diameter ofthe lens (e.g., pancake lenses 105 a or 105 b) is selected to be smallenough to allow for interpupillary distance adjustment (e.g., adjustmentof the interpupillary distance between the corresponding lenses). Insome embodiments, the diameter of the lens is selected to besufficiently large enough to obtain an entire view of the display. Insome embodiments, the diameter of the lens is based at least in part (i)the interpupillary distance adjustment range for the lenses beingbetween 58 mm-72 mm for a total range of 14 mm, and (ii) the size of thedisplay (e.g., such that the diameter of the lens is at least equal tothe length of the diagonal of the display).

In the example shown, wearable e-reader 100 comprises mountingstructures 115 and 116. In some embodiments, mounting structures 115 and116 are mounting structures for pancake lenses 105 a and 105 b. In someembodiments, pancake lenses 105 a and 105 b are mounted to mountingstructures 115 and 116 using an adhesive. In some embodiments, mountingstructures 115 and 116 comprise an alignment mechanism to maintainalignment between pancake lenses 105 a and 105 b and mounting structures115 and 116. For example, the alignment mechanism may include a tab/slotinterface. Mounting structures 115 and 116 may include a tab that slidesinto a slot on pancake lenses 105 a and 105 b. Conversely, pancakelenses 105 a and 105 b may comprise tabs that slide into correspondingslots in mounting structures 115 and 116.

In some embodiments, the polarizer is disposed between the lenses andlight guide 120. In the example shown, the polarizer is bonded topancake lenses 105 a and 105 b, such as with an adhesive (e.g., anoptically clear adhesive). In some embodiments, the adhesive is an indexmatching adhesive. In some embodiments, the polarizer is bounded to, ormounted on, light guide 120. The polarizer changes polarization of lighttraveling from the screen to the user's eyes to ensure that the lightentering the lenses has the appropriate polarization to operate with thelens (e.g., a pancake lens). In some embodiments, the lens does notrequire a polarization change and in that case a polarizer may not beneeded in the optic train. As an example, the polarizer comprises acircular polarizer. Circular polarizers may be used if the lenscorresponds to a pancake lens. However, in other implementations,different types of polarizers may be used. According to variousembodiments, the polarizer is disposed at another appropriate locationbetween an eye and the pancake lens. In some embodiments the polarizermay be combined with the light guide into a single piece, for example byapplying a polarization film onto the light guide.

In some embodiments, light guide 120 is disposed between the lenses andthe displays. In the example shown, light guide 120 is disposed betweeninner molding 110 and e-ink display 125. According to variousembodiments, light guide 120 is configured to direct light from a lightsource (e.g., a front light) to display. As an example, light guide 120can be configured to permit light to be side injected. As anotherexample, light guide 120 can be configured to permit light to beinjected to a side/surface closest to the display (e.g., a side of lightguide 120 opposite to a side on which the polarizer is disposed).

According to various embodiments, light guide 120 comprisespolycarbonate, glass, acrylic, Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG),clear glue, or any other appropriate material. As an example,polycarbonate can be machined/milled. Accordingly, use of polycarbonatein light guide 120 enables a surface/edge of light guide 120 to beshaped to promote light injection. As an example, a wedge on respectivetop corners (e.g., corners at the edge of a surface of light guide 120closes to the polarizer) can be milled to promote light to beappropriately reflected through light guide 120 to a display and henceto a user eye. In some embodiments, a piece at the top corners/edges oflight guide 120 is ground at a 45 degree angle, and a mirror is disposedon the resulting angled surface.

According to various embodiments, light guide 120 comprises clearacrylic or polycarbonate rectangular volume. Light guide 120 can beconfigured to permit injection of light from a predetermined angle. Insome embodiments, in the case of injection of light from a surfacebehind the display (e.g., such that light is directed to a surface onthe display side of light guide 120), a right-angled mirror is disposedon the top edges of light guide 120 (e.g., to appropriate reflect lightto the display).

According to various embodiments, light guide 120 is mounted to thedisplays (e.g., e-ink display 125). Light guide 120 may be opticallytransparent (e.g., clear) and may be mounted to the displays using anadhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive bonding the light guide(s)and the display(s) is an index matching adhesive.

In some embodiments, light guide 120 has a polarizer coating disposed onat least one surface (e.g., a surface facing the lenses, etc.).

In the example shown, the displays of wearable e-reader 100 are e-inkdisplays (e.g., e-ink display 125 and/or e-ink display 126). Accordingto various embodiments, wearable e-reader 100 can implement variousdisplay technologies. For example, rather than using e-ink displays,wearable e-reader can implement a liquid crystal display (LCD), a memoryLCD technology, etc. Use of an LCD display may enable the wearablee-reader 100 to be see-through. E-ink displays are generally notsee-through and external/ambient light is not permitted into the fieldof view.

In some embodiments, the displays comprise relatively low-resolutiondisplays. Although the displays may be relatively low-resolution, thedisplays provide a sufficiently fine resolution for purposes ofconsuming text and images. For example, the displays have a resolutionequal to or less than 500 pixels per inch (ppi). As another example, thedisplays have a resolution equal to about 300 ppi. As another example,the displays have a resolution of less than 300 ppi. In someembodiments, the pixel counts of each of the displays is 256×256. Insome embodiments, the pixel counts of each of the displays is 800×600.

The use of the system as a wearable e-reader allows for a relativelysmall form factor display. In some embodiments, a display has physicaldimension of 1.065″ in the x-y plane (e.g., along the diagonal of thedisplay). In some embodiments, the display has a physical dimension of1.33″ in the x-y plane.

According to various embodiments, wearable e-reader 100 comprises one ormore light sources (e.g., front light(s), etc.). Various types of lightsources can be used, such as a light emitting diode(s) (LED). The lightsources emit light that is injected to (e.g., projected in to) lightguide 120. Various embodiments may implement different arrangements ofthe light source in relation to light guide 120 and different parts oflight guide 120. For example, in some implementations, the front lightis injected to light guide 120 from one or more sides of light guide120. As another example, in some implementations, the front light isinjected to light guide 120 is injected to a surface of light guide 120opposite to a side at which the lens(es) are disposed (e.g., the lightis injected from the display side of light guide 120).

According to various embodiment, the optical unit is mounted to acircuit board (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). In the exampleshown, wearable e-reader 100 comprises circuit board 140. In someembodiments, wearable e-reader 100 comprises two circuit boards toactivate a display for each eye of a user.

According to various embodiments, the optical units are configured to bepositioned relative to a user's eye. For example, wearable e-reader 100has the optical units configured to be angled out by about 5 degrees(e.g., angled away from a normal of the plane of the e-reader glassesframe lens/covers (e.g., lens/covers 195 and 190) and away from thecenterline of the glasses frame so that the eyes can angle toward thenose in a natural reading angle when viewing the displays). In theexample shown, wearable e-reader 100 comprises angled backing 130 and135. The optical units are attached (either directly or indirectly suchas via a circuit board) to angled backing 130 and 135. In someembodiments, the angled backing 130 and 135 are adjustable to adjust theangle of the optical units (e.g., the lenses). For example, angledbacking 130 and 135 are configured to provide adjustment of alignment ofthe optical units between 0 degrees and 10 degrees. As another example,angled backing 130 and 135 are configured to provide adjustment ofalignment of the optical units between 0 degrees and 5 degrees. In someembodiments, the angled backing 130 and 135 are configured to provide analignment with a 4-degree offset. In some embodiments, angled backing130 and 135 are configured to adjust the different optical units by asame amount. In some embodiments, a surface of e-ink displays 125 and126 are not parallel with a side of angled backing 130 and 135 oppositea side to which e-ink displays 126 and 126 are mounted. Humans aregenerally acclimated to focusing on objects at a close distance. Forexample, human eyes orient to a set of images at an angle offset toensure convergence of the eyes to replicate viewing at near distances.In related art, VR and AR systems generally configure thedisplays/optical units to ensure that the user is looking to infinity.Accordingly, related art VR and AR systems do not enable adjustment(e.g., comprise an adjustment mechanism) of an angle offset of theoptical units.

In some embodiments, as an alternative to enabling adjustment of anoffset of the optical units, or in addition to such adjustment, wearablee-reader 100 offsets the images to achieve the same image tilt as isnatural for being viewed by human eyes.

In some embodiments, the optical units (e.g., e-ink displays 125 and126) are mounted to angled backing 130 and 135, and the circuit board(s)are comprised on (e.g., mounted to) an opposite side of angled backing130 and 135. For example, in the example shown, e-ink display 126 ismounted to angled backing 135, and circuit board 140 is disposed on anopposite side of angled backing 135. A circuit board (e.g., circuitboard 140) can be mounted (e.g., via adhesive, etc.) to angled backing135. In some embodiments, e-ink display 126 is mounted to circuit board140, which in turn is mounted to angled backing 135.

According to various embodiments, wearable e-reader 100 comprises acontrol system. As an example, the one or more modules include aprocessor(s). The control system is configured to store/manage content,provide a user interface, communicate with another device or network(e.g., via a wired connection or a wireless connection such asBluetooth®, Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.), control the displays (e.g., providepower to the displays, provide content to be displayed by displays,etc.), etc. According to various embodiments, wearable e-reader 100comprises one or more connectors between components such as a connectorthat connects the control system to a power source, a sensor (e.g., anambient light sensor), one or more lights, a display, etc. In someembodiments, the one or more connectors comprises one or more flexcables (e.g., flex cables 137, 145, 150 a, 150 b). For example, in theexample shown, wearable e-reader 100 comprises flex cable 145 thatconnects e-ink displays 125 and 126 to one or more circuit boards (e.g.,circuit board 140) or otherwise interconnects the circuit boards for theleft and right eyes. As another example, in the example shown, wearablee-reader 100 comprises flex cables 150 a and 15 b that respectivelyconnect the circuit board(s) to power sources (e.g., batteries 160 a and160 b). Flex cable 145 can comprise one or more mechanisms for stressrelief. In the example shown, flex cable 145 comprises two holes, whichare used for fastening the cable to the frame and to provide stressrelief.

In some embodiments, the circuit board (e.g., circuit board 140)comprises the one or more control modules. The circuit board(s) alsoprovide(s) (e.g., connects) power to the one or more control modules anddisplays.

Wearable e-readers according to various embodiments are significantlymore power efficient than related art VR and AR systems. For example,e-ink displays 125 and 126 are more power efficient than displays in VRand AR systems. E-ink displays 125 and 126 do not require power drivingto maintain an image. Accordingly, as a reader is reading a page of acontent (e.g., a page of book), wearable e-reader 100 is not required todrive power to the displays. Wearable e-reader 100 can be configured toobtain a user input, or detect a user interaction, in connection withdetermining to change the content displayed on the displays (e.g., toturn the page of a book). In response to determining that the contentdisplayed on the displays is to be changed, wearable e-reader 100 drivespower to the displays to change the content.

According to various embodiments, wearable e-reader 100 comprises one ormore batteries (e.g., batteries 160 a and 160 b) to provide power. Insome embodiments, the batteries comprise 500 mAH batteries, or less.According to various embodiments, a power draw of wearable e-reader 100is 15 mA or less at 4V. In some embodiments, batteries 160 a and 160 bare permanently housed in wearable e-reader 100, or alternatively,removably housed. In the example shown, batteries 160 a and 160 b aremounted to arms 155 a and 155 b.

In some embodiments, batteries 160 a and 160 b are rechargeable. In someembodiments, wearable e-reader 100 includes contact points that enablerecharging when a charging current is provided to the contact points(e.g., by placing wearable e-reader 100 onto a stand or holder withcontacts to put in touch with the contact points). In some embodiments,wearable e-reader 100 comprises one or more solar panels. The one ormore solar panels may be disposed on the front of the glasses, on a sideof the glasses, and/or on one or more of the arms on the glasses, etc.Because of the low power consumption for operation of wearable e-reader100, the batteries of wearable e-reader 100 may be sufficiently chargedvia ambient light even though indoor light is ten to one hundred timesless powerful as compared to the sun or light outdoors.

Wearable e-reader 100 comprises arms 155 a and 155 b, which rest on auser's ears during use. As discussed above, arms 155 a and 155 b maycomprise one or more batteries that provide power to the system. In someembodiments, arms 155 a and 155 b comprise a switch for powering on/offwearable e-reader 100. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , wearablee-reader comprises one or contacts (e.g., contact 152) between arms 155a and 155 b and the control system (e.g., circuit board 140). In someembodiments, wearable e-reader 100 is configured to have a physicalconnect/disconnect mechanism based on a positioning of arms 155 a and155 b, such as based on whether arms 155 a and 155 b are open or closed.As an example, if arms 155 a and 155 b are in an open position (e.g., tobe worn by a user), a physical connection is made between an electricalcontact on arms 155 a and 155 b and an electrical contact connected tothe circuit board(s). For example, contact 152 electrically connectsbattery 160 a with a connector (e.g., flex cable 150 a), which in turnis electrically connected to power circuits on the circuit board(s) forthe display. In some embodiments, wearable e-reader 100 is configured tohave a magnetic-based mechanism to control the system (e.g., circuitboard 140). This magnetic mechanism may, for example, be comprised of ahall-effect switch, digital magnetometer, or a magnetoresistive sensor.In some embodiments, the mechanism to control the system comprises asensor to detecting touch to skin on the ears or nose as a method ofpowering on.

In some embodiments, an interpupillary distance (IPD) between lenses isadjustable. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , wearable e-reader 100comprises holding structure 170 that is configured to support adjustmentscrew 175 that adjusts the interpupillary distance between e-inkdisplays 125 and 126, and/or pancake lenses 105 a and 105 b. In someembodiments, adjustment screw 175 comprises a left-handed thread and aright-handed thread for individual adjustment the correspondinglocations of the respective lenses/displays. Adjustment ofinterpupillary distance enables wearable e-readers 100 to be comfortablyused by a wider set of users. For example, a person's nose is not alwaysin the center of their face (e.g., centered between the person's ears),or the pupillary distance between each eye may be asymmetrical. In someembodiments, the mechanism for adjusting the interpupillary distance isconfigured to be between 58 mm-72 mm for a total range of 14 mm.

In some embodiments, wearable e-reader 100 comprises inner molding 110.As illustrated in FIG. 1 , inner molding 110 can be disposed betweenpancake lenses 105 a and 105 b and the inner moldings (e.g., innermolding 110 that provides light-shielding). Inner molding 110 cancomprise a rubber. Inner molding 110 is configured to prevent moisturefrom reaching e-ink displays 125 and 126.

Wearable e-reader 100 comprises one or more framing structures thatprovide support for the optical units. In the example shown, wearablee-reader 100 comprises framing structures 180, 185, and inner molding110. Framing structures 180, 185, and inner molding 110 provide supportfor pancake lenses 105 a and 105 b, the light source, e-ink displays 125and 126, and the circuit board(s) (e.g., circuit board 140).

Wearable e-reader 100 can be configured to be light-shielded. In theexample shown, wearable e-reader 100 comprises inner moldings (e.g.,inner molding 110). According to various embodiments, inner molding 110is configured to block light or view into the inner structure of thee-reader. For example, inner molding 110 is disposed to prevent ambientlight (or otherwise external light) from entering the field of view ofwearable e-reader 100, which would cause diminished viewability ofcontent being displayed by the displays.

According to various embodiments, wearable e-reader 100 comprises covers190 and 195. Covers 190 and 195 provide further light-shielding. In someembodiments, if wearable e-reader 100 is a see-through design, thencovers 190 and 195 permit light through. In the example shown, wearablee-reader 100 is light-shielding and covers 190 and 195 are opaque.Covers 190 and 195 may comprise one or more rails (e.g., rail 197)configured to guide motion of adjustable angled backs 130 and 135 thatcan be moved such as in connection with adjusting the interpupillarydistance(s) (e.g., by turning knob at center of adjustment screw 175).

According to various embodiments, the control system of wearablee-reader 100 controls content being displayed on the displays. Thecontrol system controls operation of wearable e-reader 100 (e.g., aprocessor/user interface of the system) based on user input or based ondetection of a user interaction. For example, wearable e-reader 100 maycomprise one or more sensors that detect eye movement of users (e.g.,eye-tracking sensor(s)) to enable control system to control operation ofthe system based on eye motion commands input by the user. As anotherexample, wearable e-reader 100 may comprise one or more sensors thatdetect movement or placement of a hand, and the controls system usessuch movement/placement of the hand to control operation of the system.In some embodiments, the control system controls content displayed onthe displays based at least in part on the user input and/or userinteraction. For example, the control system controls to navigate thecontent (e.g., turn pages to advance a book, or to turn to a previouspage, etc.). In various embodiments, the control system is used tocontrol e-reader lighting, select content (e.g., a book title, anarticle, a magazine, etc.), delete content, adjust fonts, or any otherappropriate control for an e-reader. In some embodiments, control systemreceives indications from one or more buttons mounted on glasses frame(e.g., a button for turn page forward, a button for turn page back, abutton for menu up, a button for menu down, a button for select, abutton for on/off, etc.).

In some embodiments, wearable e-reader 100 comprises one or more lightsensors such as an ambient light sensor(s). In some embodiments, thecontrol system controls the system based at least in part on thedetected light. For example, the control system adjusts the powerprovided to the light sources (e.g., adjusts light emitted by the lightsources) based on the level/extent of ambient or external light.

In some embodiments, wearable e-reader 100 is connected to a dongle orother external peripheral with which a user inputs a command (e.g., auser input) to wearable e-reader 100. For example, wearable e-reader 100may be wirelessly connected to a hand-held wand that that is used tocontrol operation of the system (e.g., to turn pages, to load content,etc.). In various embodiments, the dongle or other external peripheralcommunicate with wearable e-reader 100 (e.g., a circuit board, acontroller or processor on the circuit board, etc. via a wiredconnector, a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, infrared (IR),etc.), or any other appropriate communication connection.

FIG. 2 is a block a diagram of a system according to various embodimentsof the present application. In some embodiments, system 200 implementsat least part of wearable e-reader 100.

In the example shown, system 200 implements one or more modules inconnection with managing and displaying content (e.g., displayingcontent for a wearable e-reader). System 200 comprises communicationinterface 205, one or more processors 210, storage 215, and/or memory220. One or more processors 210 comprises, or implements, one or more ofcommunication module 225, content management module 227, powermanagement module 229, light driving module 231, display control module233, external light sensing module 235, and/or user interface module237.

In some embodiments, system 200 comprises communication module 225.System 200 uses communication module 225 to communicate with variousother systems such as peripheral device (e.g., a hand-held wand), asmartphone, a tablet, a laptop, etc. For example, communication module225 provides to communication interface 205 information that is to becommunicated. As another example, communication interface 205 providesto communication module 225 information received by system 200.Communication module 225 is configured to receive user input from theother system, or to download content to local storage (e.g., storage215) of system 200.

In some embodiments, system 200 comprises content management module 227.System 200 uses content management module 227 to manage content to bedownloaded/stored on system 200. For example, content management module227 interfaces with a web service or application running on a peripheralto navigate a library of content or to otherwise obtain (e.g., download,receive via push, etc.) content.

In some embodiments, system 200 comprises power management module 229.System 200 uses power management module 229 to manage power distributedto different components of system 200. For example, power managementmodule 229 is used to drive the displays. Power management module 229can provide power to displays at least when content to be displayedthereon is changed. In some embodiments, power management module 229ceases providing power to the displays when content is not beingchanged. As another example, power management module 229 is used toprovide power to the light source(s). Power management module 229 canadjust the amount of power provided to the light source(s) based on alevel of ambient/external light.

In some embodiments, system 200 comprises light driving module 231.System 200 uses light driving module 231 to control a light source. Insome embodiments, light driving module 231 controls the light sourcebased on an input from power management module 229, such as anindication of an extent of light to be emitted (e.g., a brightness)based on ambient/external light.

In some embodiments, system 200 comprises display control module 233.System 200 uses display control module 233 to control content to bedisplayed on the displays of the wearable e-reader. Display controlmodule 233 provides content to the displays for display. In someembodiments, display control module 233 controls content to be displayedon the displays (or provided to the displays) based on a received userinput or a detected user interaction, such as a command to turn a pageor otherwise change content being displayed.

In some embodiments, system 200 comprises external light sensing module235. System 200 uses external light sensing module 235 to detect (e.g.,receive from a light sensor(s)) an ambient or external light. Externallight sensing module 235 determines a level/extent of the ambient orexternal light and provides an indication of such information to powermanagement module 229 and/or light driving module 231.

In some embodiments, system 200 comprises user interface module 237.System 200 uses user interface module 237 to configure and provide auser interface to a user. The user interface can be displayed on thedisplays, such as by content management module 227 and/or displaycontrol module 233. User interface module 237 can configure a userinterface that provides menus to navigate content or usersettings/preferences. A user may interact with the user interface via aperipheral, a button, or other sensor on the system (e.g., a button onthe arms of the glasses, an eye-tracking sensor, etc.).

According to various embodiments, storage 215 comprises one or more offilesystem data 260 and/or content data 265. Storage 215 may be asolid-state device (SSD) memory, which is lightweight and/orpower-efficient and has a small form factor.

In some embodiments, filesystem data 260 comprises information such asuser settings, user information, account information, network settings,communication settings, user preferences (e.g., light brightness, fontsize, etc.).

In some embodiments, content data 265 comprises content downloaded tosystem 200. For example, content comprises a catalog of one or morebooks, articles, magazines, newspapers, etc.

According to various embodiments, memory 220 comprises executingapplication data 275. Executing application data 275 comprises dataobtained or used in connection with executing an application such as anapplication executing in connection with providing content to be read onthe displays of the e-reader, or an application executing in connectionwith obtaining new content, managing content stored on system 200, etc.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a section view of an optical unitaccording to various embodiments of the present application. In someembodiments, optical unit 300 is implemented by wearable e-reader 100and/or system 200.

Optical unit 300 comprises polarizer 305, light guide 310, display 315,light source(s) 320 and/or 325, and circuit board 330. In variousembodiments, polarizer 305 comprises a circular polarizer or a linearpolarizer. In some embodiments, polarizer 305 is omitted. In someembodiments, polarizer 305 is attached or a part of another opticalcomponent (e.g., a lens or window component of the system).

In some embodiments, polarizer 305 is disposed closest to the user's eyeand is configured to polarize light reflecting from display 315 (andbeing transmitted through light guide 310). For example, polarizer 305polarizes light reflected from an e-ink screen (e.g., display 315)before entering a lens such as a pancake lens.

In some embodiments, light guide 310 is configured to guide incominglight (e.g., from light source(s) 320 and/or 325) to display 315 (e.g.,to a top surface of display 315). Light guide 310 is further configuredto transmit light reflected from display 315 to polarizer 305. Lightguide 310 enables front lighting of an e-ink screen, such as display315. For example, light guide 310 reflects light emitted by lightsource(s) 320 and/or 325 based on a reflective coating or angled surfacedisposed on light guide 310.

In some embodiments, display 315 is disposed on a side of light guide310 opposite to a side on which polarizer 305 is disposed. Display 315is controlled to display content. In some embodiments, display 315 isconnected to circuit board 330. For example, a control system on circuitboard 330 can control display 315 (e.g., driving the display and/orcontent to be displayed on display 315).

In some embodiments, light source(s) 320 and/or 325 are controlled toemit light that is directed to light guide 310 to be used to providelight to display 315. Light source(s) 320 and/or 325 can be controlledbased on a determination of an extent of ambient/external light and/or adetermination to operate the system (e.g., the e-reader). In someembodiments, light source(s) 320 and/or 325 are mounted (e.g., bondedvia adhesive, etc.) to circuit board 330. Various light technologies canbe implemented. In some embodiments, light source(s) 320 and/or 325comprise an LED (or an LED array).

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a section view of an optical unitaccording to various embodiments of the present application. In someembodiments, optical unit 350 is implemented by wearable e-reader 100and/or system 200.

Further to the example illustrated in FIG. 3B, optical unit 350comprises reflective coatings or surfaces 311 and 312. Reflectivecoatings or surfaces 311 and 312 are disposed to reflect incident lightfrom light source(s) 320 and/or 325 to display 315. In some embodiments,reflective coatings or surfaces 311 and 312 are disposed on topedges/corners of light guide 310. As an example, reflective coatings orsurfaces 311 and 312 comprise mirrors.

FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating a section view of an optical unitaccording to various embodiments of the present application. In someembodiments, optical unit 375 is implemented by wearable e-reader 100and/or system 200.

Further to the example illustrated in FIG. 3A, optical unit 375comprises angled surfaces 313 and 314. For example, corner edges oflight guide 310 are milled to create angled surfaces 313 and 314. Theangle at which the angled surfaces 313 and 314 are configured may bebased on a relative location of the light source(s) 320 and/or 325and/or a relative location of display 315. For example, the anglecorresponds to an angle at which incident light form light source(s) 320and/or 325 is reflected to display 315.

In some embodiments, reflective coatings or surfaces are applied toangled surfaces 313 and 314. For example, a mirror can be adhered toangled surfaces 313 and 314 to reflect light to display 315.

FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating a section view of an optical unitaccording to various embodiments of the present application. In someembodiments, optical unit 380 is implemented by wearable e-reader 100and/or system 200.

Further to the example illustrated in FIG. 3C, optical unit 380 hassupport structure 385 to which circuit board 330 (or the optical unit380) is mounted.

In some embodiments, reflective coatings or surfaces are applied toangled surfaces 313 and 314. For example, a mirror can be adhered toangled surfaces 313 and 314 to reflect light to travel in light guide310 to illuminate display 315.

In some embodiments, support structure 385 comprises support elements382 and 384 that mounts circuit board 330 to support structure 385. Insome embodiments, circuit board 330 is adhered to support structure 385using an adhesive. Support structure comprises rails or tracks 386and/or 388, and adjustment mechanism 390 (e.g., a knob) to adjustposition the support structure along the rails or tracks 386 and/or 388.For example, rails or tracks 386 and/or 388 guide the interpupillarylinear adjustment motion using the adjustment mechanism 390. In someembodiments, adjustment mechanism 390 includes a threaded rod and atapped mount attached to support structure 385 that enables positioningof support structure 385 (and the attached display 315 and/or opticalunit 380).

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a section view of a display of awearable e-reader according to various embodiments of the presentapplication. In some embodiments, wearable e-reader 400 is implementedat least in part by wearable e-reader 100 and/or system 200.

Wearable e-reader comprises a circuit board 410 (e.g., a PCB), an e-inkscreen 420 connected to circuit board 410, and one or more light sources425, 430, 435, and/or 440. Circuit board 410 controls e-ink screen 420.In the example illustrated, one or more light sources 425, 430, 435,and/or 440 are top mounted on circuit board 410. In some embodiments,one or more light sources 425, 430, 435, and/or 440 comprise LEDs.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a section view of a wearable e-readeraccording to various embodiments of the present application. In someembodiments, wearable e-reader 500 is implemented at least in part bywearable e-reader 100 and/or system 200.

Wearable e-reader 500 comprises circular polarizer 505, light guide 510,display 515, light sources 520 and/or 525, circuit board 530, andpancake lens 540. In some embodiments, circular polarizer 505, lightguide 510, display 515, light sources 520 and/or 525, circuit board 530respectively correspond to circular polarizer 305, light guide 310,display 315, light source(s) 320 and/or 325, and circuit board 330 ofoptical unit 300 of FIG. 3A.

According to various embodiments, pancake lens 540 optically processeslight incident from circular polarizer 505 and that is reflected fromdisplay 515. For example, pancake lens 540 optically processes the lightbefore such the light enters a user's eye.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a section view of a wearable e-readeraccording to various embodiments of the present application. In someembodiments, wearable e-reader 600 is implemented at least in part bywearable e-reader 100 and/or system 200.

Wearable e-reader 600 comprises circular polarizer 605, light guide 610,display 615, light sources 620 and/or 625, and circuit board 630. Insome embodiments, 605, light guide 610, display 615, and circuit board630 respectively correspond to circular polarizer 305, light guide 310,display 315, and circuit board 330 of optical unit 300 of FIG. 3A.

In the example illustrated, light sources 620 and/or 625 are mounted(e.g., bonded or adhered) to sides of light guide 610 to provideside-injected light, which light guide 610 is configured to direct to beincident on display 615.

In some embodiments, support structure 635 provides support for circuitboard 630 and/or light guide 610. For example, support structure 635 cancomprise support elements that mounts circuit board 630 to supportstructure 635. In some embodiments, circuit board 330 is adhered tosupport structure 385 using an adhesive. Support structure 635 comprisesrails or tracks 640 and/or 645, and adjustment mechanism 650 (e.g., aknob) to adjust position the support structure along the rails or tracks640 and/or 645. For example, rails or tracks 640 and/or 645 guide theinterpupillary linear adjustment motion using the adjustment mechanism650.

In the example shown, support structure 635 extends to provide directsupport to light guide 610. For example, light guide 610 can be mountedor otherwise adhered (e.g., using an adhesive) to support structure 635.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a section view of a wearable e-readeraccording to various embodiments of the present application. In someembodiments, wearable e-reader 700 is implemented at least in part bywearable e-reader 100 and/or system 200.

Wearable e-reader 700 comprises polarizer 705, light guide 710, display715, light sources 720 and/or 725, and circuit board 730. In someembodiments, 705, light guide 710, display 715, and circuit board 730respectively correspond to circular polarizer 305, light guide 310,display 315, and circuit board 330 of optical unit 300 of FIG. 3A.

In the example illustrated, light sources 720 and/or 725 are mounted(e.g., bonded or adhered) to sides of light guide 710 to provideside-injected light, which light guide 710 is configured to be incidenton display 715.

As shown in FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, polarizer 705 is connected topancake lens 740 such as by support structure 750. In some embodiments,pancake lens 740 and polarizer 705 are integrated into a single unit. Insome embodiments, polarizer 705 is adhered (e.g., using anindex-matching adhesive) to a bottom of pancake lens 740.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a section view of a wearable e-readeraccording to various embodiments of the present application. In someembodiments, wearable e-reader 800 is implemented at least in part bywearable e-reader 100 and/or system 200.

According to various embodiments, wearable e-reader 800 is a backlighte-reader. For example, a user views content on the display (e.g., LCD815) through view point 805. Light is emitted by backlight 820 (e.g., anLED) based on control from a controls system on circuit board 825 (e.g.,a PCB). The light emitted by backlight 820 is directed through a back ofLCD 815, and viewable content corresponding to light passing through LCDis directed back through a unit 810 comprising a pancake lens apolarizer.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling a wearablee-reader according to various embodiments of the present application.According to various embodiments, process 900 is implemented at least inpart by wearable e-reader 100 of FIG. 1 , optical unit 300 of FIG. 3A,optical unit 350 of FIG. 3B, optical unit 375 of FIG. 3C, and opticalunit 380 of FIG. 3D.

At 910, an indication to display content is received. In someembodiments, the system receives the indication to display content basedon a user input or a detected interaction. For example, the indicationto display content is received based on a user input to a peripheraldevice to which the system is connected (e.g., a hand-held wand, asmartphone, etc.) or a user input to one or more buttons on the wearablee-reader. In some embodiments, the indication to display content isreceived based on a determination that the arms for the wearablee-reader are moved to an open position (e.g., an extended position thatallows a user to wear the wearable e-reader), or in response to adetermination that the wearable e-reader is currently being worn by auser (e.g., based on a sensor that detects the user's face or ears inrelation to a location of the frame of the wearable e-reader).

At 920, content to be displayed is provided. In some embodiments, thesystem obtains the content from storage (e.g., a memory of the system)and provides the content to a display of the system. In someembodiments, the system performs a pre-processing with respect to thecontent before providing the content to the display.

At 930, external light is detected. In some embodiments, the system usesone or more sensors, such as an ambient light sensor, and the systemobtains information pertaining to external light from the one or moresensors.

At 940, a driving of a light source is adjusted based at least in parton an extent of the external light.

At 950, a determination is made as to whether the content (e.g., thecontent being displayed) is to be changed. In some embodiments, thesystem determines whether to change the content based on a user input oruser action (e.g., an action detected by a sensor(s) of the system).

In response to a determination that the content is to be changed at 950,process 900 returns to 910 and process 900 iterates over 910-950 until adetermination that the content is not to be changed.

In response to determination that the content is to not be changed at950, process 900 proceeds to 960.

At 960, a determination is made as to whether process 900 is complete.In some embodiments, process 900 is determined to be complete inresponse to a determination that no further content is to be displayed,an input to turn off the system is received, the system detects that theuser removes (e.g., takes off) wearable e-reader, etc. In response to adetermination that process 900 is complete, process 900 ends. Inresponse to a determination that process 900 is not complete, process900 returns to 910.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process for awearable e-reader. In the example shown, in 1000 an optical unit isprovided. For example, an optical unit that is wearable is provided. Invarious embodiments, the optical unit comprises one or more of thefollowing: a magnifying lens, a polarizer, a front light, and/or adisplay. In some embodiments, a front light illuminates a display fromthe front of the display to be observable by a user via the magnifyinglens. In some embodiments, the magnifying lens comprises a pancakemagnifying lens. In some embodiments, the display comprises anelectronic ink (e-ink) display. In some embodiments, the displaycomprises a liquid crystal display (LCD). In some embodiments, theoptical unit comprises a polarizer (e.g., a circular polarizer). In someembodiments, the optical unit comprises one of two optical units in thesystem, and both of the two optical units are wearable. In someembodiments, the front light comprises at least one light emitting diode(LED). In some embodiments, the optical unit comprises a light guide,and the display is front lit based at least in part on the light guide.In some embodiments, the light guide receives light from at least oneLED. In various embodiments, the light guide comprises a rectangularvolume, a circular volume (e.g., any shape with a circular shape fromone view point—for example, sides can be angled, rounded, or any otherprofile), cylindrical volume, or any other appropriate light guideshape. In some embodiments, the light guide comprises a plastic (e.g., aclear acrylic, polycarbonate, etc.). In 1002, an ambient light sensor isprovided. In some embodiments, a control system is configured to adjustan amount of light injected to the display based at least in part on anamount of ambient light detected by the ambient light sensor. In 1004, acontrol system is provided. For example, a control system controls anamount of light to a front light a display. In 1006, two eye covers areprovided. For example, two eye covers that are mounted on a glassesframe. In 1008, two collapsible arms are provided. For example, twocollapsible arms are attached via hinges as part of a glasses frame. In1010, a nose bridge is provided. For example, a nose bridge is part of aglasses frame between support portions of the glasses frame that mounttwo eye covers or that is used to connect two eye covers of the glassesframe. In some embodiments, the two collapsible arms extend a length tofit over ears of a user for wearing as glasses. In some embodiments,each of the two collapsible arms comprise a battery that powers at leastthe front light. In 1012, light shield(s) is/are provided. For example,one or more light shields is/are provided to prevent external light fromentering a viewing area. In 1014, a memory and a circuit board areprovided. For example, a memory is configured to store content and acircuit board comprises a processor configured to control the opticalunit to display the content. In 1016, battery and cable(s) are provided.For example, one or more batteries that power at least one processor andthe front light and a plurality of flex cables that connect (i) the oneor more batteries, (ii) the front light, and (iii) the circuit board.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process for awearable e-reader. In the example shown, in 1100 two optical units areprovided. For example, the two optical units are part of the wearablee-reader system. The wearable e-reader system includes a front litdisplay (e.g., an e-ink display). In 1102, an adjustable mounting isprovided. For example, an adjustable mounting is built into the wearablee-reader system that enables a user to adjust a mounting position of thetwo optical units with respect to the position, when being worn, of thewearable e-reader. For example, an adjustment can be made of theinterpupillary distance between the two optical units to increase ordecrease the distance from the nose of a glasses frame of each of theoptical units. In various embodiments, a symmetry adjustment of the twooptical units with respect to the nose is adjustable, a heightadjustment of the two optical units with respect to the nose or cheeksis adjustable, an angle of the normal of the plane of the displaystowards or away from the nose, and/or any other appropriate adjustmentfor a wearable e-reader is/are provided.

In some embodiments, the adjustable mounting comprises a threaded rod.In some embodiments, the threaded rod is coupled to an optical unit ofthe two optical units with a tapped optical unit mount. In someembodiments, the threaded rod comprises a left-handed rod, aright-handed rod, or a left-handed rod and a right-handed rod. Forexample, the rod is threaded so that when a center knob that is coupledto the rod is rotated in one direction that a left optical unit movesright and the right optical unit moves left and when the center knobthat is coupled to the rod is rotated in the other direction that theleft optical unit moves left and the right optical unit moves right. Inother words, the knob enables a user to adjust the position of theoptical units to increase and decrease the interpupillary distance. Insome embodiments, the threaded rod that couples the knob to the tappedmounting points of the optical units on the threaded rod has oppositelythreaded regions on opposite sides (e.g., left-handed threads on theleft side and right-handed threads on the right side or vice versa). Insome embodiments, the adjustable mounting comprises a knob, in someembodiments, the knob is couple to the threaded rod. In someembodiments, the knob enables rotating the threaded rod. In variousembodiments, the threaded rod adjusts a position of one optical unit ofthe two optical units, the threaded rod adjusts a position of both ofthe optical units, or any other appropriate combination of adjustments.

In some embodiments, the adjustable mounting comprises gear racks andpinion. For example, two racks opposing each other with a gear inbetween such that turning the gear causes the racks to go outward orinward together. In some embodiments, the adjustable mounting comprisesmagnetic snaps. For example, the lenses slide along a track of magnetssuch that they snap in place every millimeter or so.

In 1104, a coupler is provided. For example, a coupler couples a glassesframe (e.g., on the nose bridge—between the two optical units) to amounting for a knob. In some embodiments, the coupler includes a setscrew for adjusting position of the two optical units either up and downor left and right with respect to the glasses frame or relative to anose bridge of the glasses frame. In some embodiments, the couplerincludes two set screw for adjusting position of the two optical unitsone set screw for up and down and one set screw for left and right withrespect to the glasses frame or relative to a nose bridge of the glassesframe. In some embodiments, adjusting the position up or down or left orright of the two optical units relative to the nose bridge of theglasses frame is guided by a rail or a groove or a dovetail slide. Insome embodiments, adjusting the position up or down of both of the twooptical units together relative to the nose bridge of the glasses frameis guided by a first rail or a first groove or a first dovetail slide,and wherein the second set screw of the two set screws adjusts theposition left or right of both of the two optical units togetherrelative to the nose bridge of the glasses frame is guided by a secondrail or a second groove or a second dovetail slide, wherein the secondrail or the second groove or the second dovetail slide are at rightangles to the first rail or the first groove or the first dovetailslide.

FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a height adjustmentusing changeable nose pieces for the wearable e-reader. In the exampleshown, a first nose piece comprises left pad 1200, right pad 1203,connector 1201, and two mounting holes (e.g., mounting hole 1205). Thefirst nose piece has height distance 1202 between center of left pad1200 and right pad 1203 and the two mounting holes. Second nose piece1204 comprises a left pad, a right pad, a connector, and two mountingholes. Second nose piece 1204 has height distance 1206 between center ofthe left pad and the right pad and the two mounting holes. Third nosepiece 1208 comprises a left pad, a right pad, a connector, and twomounting holes. Third nose piece 1208 has height distance 1210 betweencenter of the left pad and the right pad and the two mounting holes.

FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a tilt adjuster fordisplays using set screws for a wearable e-reader. In the example shown,plate 1220 and plate 1222 that are attached to hinge 1224. Hinge 1224enables an angle offset between plate 1220 and plate 1222. The angle canbe adjusted using screw 1226. In some embodiments, one plate is attachedto an optical display and the other plate is attached to the adjustablemount to enable angling displays to the eyes.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process forpowering a wearable e-reader. In the example shown, in 1300 two opticalunits are provided. For example, the two optical units are part of thesystem that is wearable. In some embodiments, the optical units includea display that is front lit (e.g., an e-ink display). In 1302, a batteryis provided. For example, one or more batteries provide power to the twooptical units including the display and the front light. In someembodiments, the one or more batteries is/are mounted in one or more ofthe collapsible arms of the glasses frame. In some embodiments the oneor more batteries is/are removable from the one or more collapsible arms(e.g., one battery in one collapsible arm, two batteries in each of thetwo collapsible arms, etc.). In some embodiments, the battery iselectrically connected to at least one of the two optical units. In someembodiments, the optical unit or each of the two optical units includesa circuit board to drive a display in the optical unit. In 1304, a solarpanel is provided. For example, one or more solar panels are mounted ona glasses frame (e.g., mounted in place of lenses as eye covers in thefront of the glasses frame, mounted in the side arms of glasses frame,etc.). In some embodiments, the one or more solar panels is electricallycoupled to a circuit board, where the circuit board has a batterycharging circuit. In some embodiments, the circuit board is electricallycoupled to the battery. In some embodiments, the one or more solarpanels is/are used to charge the one or more batteries using a chargingcircuit on the circuit board. In 1306, an arm indicator is provided. Forexample, an arm indicator indicates whether a glasses arm is collapsedor open on the glasses frame. In some embodiments, the arm indicatorcomprises a switch that is open when the arm is collapsed and closedwhen the arm is open. In some embodiments, the battery is enabled topower the front lit display of the two optical units in response to thearm being open. In some embodiments, the battery is not enabled to powerthe front lit display of the two optical units in response to the armbeing collapsed. In some embodiments, the battery is not enabled topower the front lit display of the two optical units after apredetermined delay to the arm being collapsed. In some embodiments, thebattery not enabling powering the front lit display of the two opticalunits after the predetermined delay to the arm being collapsed uses adelay circuit on a circuit board.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process forfront lighting of a display for a wearable e-reader. In the exampleshown, in 1400 two optical units including light guide(s) are provided.For example, a wearable e-reader system includes two optical units thatare wearable (e.g., mounted on a glasses frame), where the optical unitsinclude a front lit display and a light emitting diode (LED), where theLED is used to front light the front lit display. In some embodiments,the optical unit includes a light guide, and the display is front litbased at least in part on the light guide—for example, the light guideis used to guide light from a light source (e.g., an LED) to a display(e.g., a front lit e-ink display). In various embodiments, the lightfrom an LED is injected into a side of the light guide, into a bottom ofthe light guide, or injected in any other appropriate manner. In someembodiments, the wearable e-reader comprises a circuit board. In someembodiments, an LED is mounted on the circuit board or is electricallyconnected to the circuit board using a connector (e.g., a flexconnector). In some embodiments, the light guide comprises a window ontop of the display (e.g., a transparent slab of material that is able toguide light). In some embodiments, the light guide comprises areflection surface on a surface of the light guide, and light from theLED is directed at least partially towards the reflection surface andthe light is reflected to the front lit display. In various embodiments,the reflection surface comprises one or more of the following: a topsurface of the light guide, a side surface of the light guide, a topsurface and a side surface of the light guide, or any other appropriatepart of the light guide. In some embodiments, at least one corner edgeof the light guide includes an angle-cut corner edge, and light from thefront light is directed at least partially towards the angle-cut corneredge, and the light is reflected to the front lit display. In someembodiments, the angle-cut corner edge comprises a reflection surface.In some embodiments, the angle-cut corner edge is one of a plurality ofangle-cut corner edges. In some embodiments, the plurality of angle-cutcorner edges comprises reflection surfaces. In various embodiments, thelight guide comprises polycarbonate, clear acrylic, glass, quartz, orany other appropriate transparent material. In some embodiments, thelight guide includes a polarizer—for example, a polarizer is coated on asurface of the light guide, is bonded to the light guide, is placedadjacent to the light guide, etc. In 1402, an ambient light detector isprovided. For example, a light detector is coupled to a glasses frame todetect ambient light levels around the glasses. In some embodiments, theLED light level is injected into the light guide based on a signal levelfrom the ambient light detector. For example, a circuit on a circuitboard receives a light level measurement from an ambient light detectorand this is used to determine a light level for the LED to inject into alight guide for front lighting a display. In some embodiments, thebrighter the ambient light the brighter LED light is injected into thelight guide for front lighting the display. In some embodiments, thedimmer the ambient light the dimmer LED light is injected into the lightguide for front lighting the display.

Various examples of embodiments described herein are described inconnection with flow diagrams. Although the examples may include certainsteps performed in a particular order, according to various embodiments,various steps may be performed in various orders and/or various stepsmay be combined into a single step or in parallel.

Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detailfor purposes of clarity of understanding, the invention is not limitedto the details provided. There are many alternative ways of implementingthe invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and notrestrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: two optical units, whereinthe two optical units are part of the system that is wearable, andwherein the optical units comprise a front lit display; and a battery,wherein the battery powers the two optical units.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the battery is mounted in a collapsible arm.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the battery is removable from the collapsible arm. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the battery is one of two batteries. 5.The system of claim 4, wherein the two batteries are mounted in twocollapsible arms.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the two batteriesare removable from the two collapsible arms.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the battery is electrically connected to at least one of the twooptical units.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the two optical unitsincludes a circuit board to drive a display.
 9. The system of claim 1,further comprising a solar panel.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein thesolar panel is mounted on a glasses frame.
 11. The system of claim 10,wherein the solar panel is mounted on a front side of the glasses frame.12. The system of claim 1, wherein the solar panel is electricallycoupled to a circuit board.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein thecircuit board has a battery charging circuit.
 14. The system of claim13, wherein the battery charging circuit is electrically coupled to thebattery.
 15. The system of claim 1, further comprising an arm indicator,wherein the arm indicator indicates whether the arm is collapsed oropen.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the battery is enabled topower the front lit display of the two optical units in response to thearm being open.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the battery is notenabled to power the front lit display of the two optical units inresponse to the arm being collapsed.
 18. The system of claim 15, whereinthe battery is not enabled to power the front lit display of the twooptical units after a predetermined delay to the arm being collapsed.19. The system of claim 18, wherein the battery not enabling poweringthe front lit display of the two optical units after the predetermineddelay to the arm being collapsed uses a delay circuit on a circuitboard.
 20. A method, comprising: providing two optical units, whereinthe two optical units are part of the system that is wearable, andwherein the optical units comprise a front lit display; and providing abattery, wherein the battery powers the two optical units.